CRADLE

Definition of CRADLE

CRADLE Noun and Verb

Cradle is a noun and a verb that refers to a structure used for supporting and nurturing, typically a baby’s bed, or the act of holding or supporting something gently. It has various applications in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

CRADLE as a noun

Baby’s Bed: As a noun, cradle refers to a small bed designed for infants that can rock back and forth. For example, “The baby slept peacefully in the cradle,” describes the use of the cradle as a bed for a young child.

Support Structure: Cradle can also refer to a support structure for various objects or mechanisms, such as a device used to hold or support something in place. For instance, “The cradle of the telescope helped to stabilize it during observations,” indicates a support mechanism for the telescope.

Origin or Beginnings: Metaphorically, cradle can describe the origin or starting point of something, often referring to the birthplace or early development of an idea, culture, or institution. For example, “The region is known as the cradle of ancient civilization,” signifies that it is the origin or starting point of a significant historical development.

CRADLE as a verb

To Hold Gently: As a verb, cradle means to hold or support something gently, often with care and tenderness. For example, “She cradled the newborn baby in her arms,” describes the act of holding the baby carefully and protectively.

To Nurture or Protect: The verb cradle can also involve nurturing or protecting something carefully. For instance, “The company cradled its new product through the development process,” suggests that the company supported and guided the product’s development with care.

Context in Various Applications: The term cradle is used in different contexts beyond its literal meanings, such as in technology, where it refers to docking stations for devices, or in literature, where it might be used metaphorically to describe origins. For example, “The cradle for the smartphone allowed it to charge while securely held,” shows its use in a technological setting.

Importance in Symbolism and Metaphor: Cradle often carries symbolic and metaphorical meanings, representing the nurturing or beginning phases of development. For instance, “The cradle of democracy represents the early foundations of democratic systems,” highlights its use in a metaphorical sense to denote the origins of important concepts.

Cradle functions as both a noun and a verb, referring to a structure for supporting and nurturing, as well as the act of holding or supporting something gently. As a noun, it describes a baby’s bed, support structures, or metaphorical origins. As a verb, it involves gently holding or nurturing. Understanding cradle helps in recognizing its various applications and symbolic meanings in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

DISORDER

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CARE

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CHATTING

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RISK

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Examples of CRADLE in a sentence

CRADLE as a noun in a sentence

• The baby slept peacefully in the cradle, gently rocking back and forth.
• The old wooden cradle had been passed down through generations in the family.
• The cradle of civilization is often considered to be the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
• The cradle of the invention was a small workshop where the initial prototypes were built.
• He carefully placed the fragile artifact in its cradle to ensure its safety during transport.
• The cradle of democracy in ancient Greece was a place of vibrant philosophical and political debate.
• The company’s success began in the cradle of a humble garage, where the founders first developed their idea.
• The cradle for the telescope was designed to support its heavy weight while allowing smooth adjustments.

CRADLE as a verb in a sentence

• She gently cradled the newborn in her arms, rocking him to sleep.
• The mother cradled her child’s head as he rested on her shoulder.
• He carefully cradled the delicate vase to avoid any damage while moving it.
• The artist cradled the paintbrush between her fingers, focused on the fine details of the canvas.
• The workers cradled the fragile equipment in special padding to prevent it from breaking during shipping.
• The village cradles its traditions, preserving customs passed down through generations.
• The soft, warm blanket cradled the baby, providing comfort and security.
• They cradled the injured bird in a makeshift nest, hoping to nurse it back to health.

Origin of CRADLE

Cradle traces its origins to the Latin word crādula, which means “a small bed” or “cradle.” It is derived from crādus, meaning “young” or “immature,” reflecting the idea of a place for the young or infants. The term passed into Old English as cradol, referring to a small bed or a support for infants.

• Latin: Crādula (small bed, cradle), from crādus (young, immature).
• Latin: Crādula referred to a bed or support for infants, rooted in the concept of nurturing the young.
• Old English: The term evolved into cradol, maintaining the meaning of a small bed or support for babies.
• Middle English: The word cradle continued to refer to a bed for infants and later began to be used metaphorically to represent a place or situation where something originates or develops.

In contemporary English, cradle primarily refers to a small bed or support for babies, often with rocking capability. Additionally, it is used metaphorically to describe the place or context where something begins or is nurtured. Cradle retains its original sense of support and origin, highlighting both its literal function in early life and its figurative use in describing the beginnings of various processes or ideas.

DENOTE

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BITING

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CHURCH

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ASPECT

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